Retreat in United States

[Mp]

It is a good occasion to reflect on my own priorities and budget.

Yugen, such a great reflection ... I too am doing the same and it is amazing to see how we truly can make a difference if we look at what we spend on a day to day basis.

I'd like to thank our donor with great sincerity and gratitude.

Deep bows and many thanks to your donor for their generosity! =)

Gassho
Shingen

[Genshin]

Yes, deep bows for the generous donor!

Gassho
Genshin

[Dosho]

To our anonymous donor, deep bows and great thanks.

Gassho,
Dosho

[Daijo]

Yes indeed, many thanks and deep deep bows to our anonymous donor.

Gassho,

Daijo

[Shugen]

Thank You to our anonymous donor.

Gassho,


Shugen

[Juki]

I really want to attend this retreat, and financial issues will not prevent it. My employers, on the other hand, are not being remotely cooperative. During the first three weeks in August, I am always required to travel to legal conventions in several southeastern states with partners in my law firm. Because I am the senior, most experienced, member in Florida, they are reluctant to release me from this annual obligation. I may be able to take one or two days between conventions, but even that is not yet guaranteed. My decision may very well come down to the last minute. I wish I could give you more certainty, but I cannot at this juncture. My apologies.

Gassho,
Juki

[Jishin]

If I take off from work Friday August 8 and Monday August 11 for travel, I would be able to attend Saturday and Sunday for 2 days on August 9 and 10. Is this sort of thing acceptable?

Gassho, Jishin

[Jishin]

Well, maybe I will be able to attend the entire session. I sure would like to. My back is scared of the pain.😄

Gasho, Jishin

[Yugen]

Jishin,
You are welcome for whatever period of time you are able to attend. We would ask that you join the sesshin either at the beginning of the day, or during lunch period. Your back is welcome to bring a seiza bench or use a chair, or both if that is helpful....

Thank you and,
Deep bows
Yugen

[Steven]

I'm very strongly considering coming to the retreat. I will have to save up, as airfare is quite expensive out of Wyoming. I do have a few questions, as I have never attended a retreat or practiced with a group in person. Is there a particular dress code (i.e. non-descript clothing)? Is there a recommended "packing list" (I presume that meals will be in oryoki fashion and something resembling an oryoki set might be needed)? I sure would hate to show up and be out of compliance with retreat regulations .

Gassho,
Steven

[Taigu]

Don t worry, Steven we wil post instructions to make a simple and yet functionnal oryoki.

I will offer dokusan on a regular basis for people wishing. The atmosphere will be warm, joyous and also very dynamic ( in a good and positive way). No shouts, swearing or anything like that. Circle work, open discusdions, teishos given by the teacher, dokusan and simple interaction.

Feel welcome, it might be a life changing experience for anybody taking part.

Gassho

T.

[Genshin]

Hi,

The retreat sounds great, I wish I could attend.

For those of us that cannot make the retreat, due to work, family or financial constraints, will part of the retreat be available on G+?

Gassho,
Genshin

[Yugen]

Retreat in United States

Genshin,
We will endeavor to make significant parts of the retreat available via G+. We will be together regardless of our physical location....

Deep bows
Yugen

[Genshin]

Thank you, Yugen.

Gassho
Genshin

[Yugen]

Retreat in United States

Steven,
In terms of practice clothing there are a few options - you may choose, as some do, to purchase lay robes for sesshin. This is not necessary and it is an additional expense. What I would suggest is comfortable, loose clothing - preferably darker in color - baggy trousers and a t-shirt do just fine. Blue jeans are unsuitable since they tend to be tight and bind things up when sitting Zazen.

You could even take an old utility trouser and dye it dark blue or black. Some sort of trouser that allows you to be comfortable in lotus, burmese, seiza, etc. A pair of dark blue or black sweatpants are fine as well.

I tend to steer away from shorts out of respect. I know Jundo has spoken often of sitting in tshirts and shorts in warm weather - for a short sit this is fine but for a longer sesshin something more respectful is appropriate I think. Jundo or Taigu may pipe in here and I would defer to their guidance.

Hope this helps.

Deep bows
Yugen